Sorry, this chapter is a little long. I couldn't find a logical place to break it up, but thanks for hanging in there.

Fitz's POV

The next day, I force myself out of bed to the sound of Mellie barking orders at the staff like a drill sergeant trying to put on a show for the governor's visit. I'd rather Big Jerry stay his ass at a hotel, but that's wishful thinking. Why would he pass up the chance to take over my house, humiliate me in front of my kids, and try to shove me into politics? But you know what? Not today. He's not ruining my day. My mind is already on Liv, and a grin spreads.

I roll over and reach for my phone, eager to see Liv's face again. She's an absolute stunner, and how she belted out tunes and danced around in that storage room yesterday left me speechless. Despite being too early, I can't resist sending her a text. Keep it cool, Fitz, keep it simple.

After a pleasant text exchange with Liv, I feel pretty pleased. As I'm basking in thoughts of her, I hear the unmistakable rumble of my boys coming down the hallway. My bedroom door flies open, and in barges Teddy all bright and chipper. "Good morning, dad!"

"Good morning. Didn't I ask you to knock on my door first before coming in? I grumbled, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice.

"Yes, but mom doesn't make us do that."

"I don't care what your mother does. That's the rule for my bedroom," I say firmly.

"Okay." He says, hopping onto my bed and pulling out his Nintendo Switch.

Tristian and David are not far behind. "Morning, dad." as they also take their spot on my bed.

"Morning, boys."

"I can't believe you're not up yet," David says, leaning against the headboard with his arms folded.

"I'm just taking my time this morning."

"Yeah, moms on the warpath. She's downstairs yelling at everybody." Tristian adds.

"Speaking of yelling, we should probably talk about grandpa's visit today," I say, altogether void of enthusiasm.

"We know the drill: ignore anything grandpa says," Teddy says, never looking up from his game.

"Correct."

"Why don't you just tell him off, Dad? Let him know that you're not going to take his crap anymore." Tristan says with a look of frustration on his face.

"Oh, sure. That would go over well. Remember, I have to battle him and your mother, and honestly, I just don't have the energy today. I leave for Paris Tuesday night, and I just want as much peace as possible."

"Every time we see him, it's like walking on eggshells," Tristian says.

"What if we come up with a plan? Like a code word or something to signal when things get too intense?" Teddy chimes in.

I chuckle, "A code word, huh? I like it. How about 'bananas'? If things start to go south, we yell out bananas."

Tristan rolled his eyes, "That is so stupid."

"No, it's not Tristian. You're stupid." Teddy yells at him.

"Guys, guys, remember, we have to stick together. No fighting. Got me?"

"Yeah, we got you," David says.

"Good, alright, head downstairs. I'm going to get dressed, and then I'll meet you down."

Watching them all file out of the room, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for my sons. They were my rock and my source of strength.

After getting dressed, I head downstairs, running smack dab into my arch-nemesis. "Good Morning, Mellie." I say through gritted teeth.

Mellie stood in the grand hallway, her piercing eyes fixed on me with a look of irritation and disapproval. "Why are you just now getting up? Your father will be here this afternoon, and there is still so much that needs to be done," she scolded, her voice sharp.

I smirked and walked past her towards the kitchen, "The house is fine," I replied, the disdain dripping from my words.

"I'm not talking about the house, Fitz!" she huffed, her hands firmly planted on her hips. "I'm talking about the senate race. You will not be able to avoid this conversation with your father today. We need to come up with a strategy." I

I rolled my eyes, pouring myself a cup of black coffee, which made me think of Olivia leaning against the counter in her studio sipping straight black coffee, and a smile appeared. I shake the thought, returning to my reality, "Mellie, can I please have my breakfast without you talking to me?" I sneered, my eyes never leaving hers.

She crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze; her lips pressed into a thin line. "You cannot keep avoiding this, Fitz. It's time for you to step up and take on your family's legacy."

"Ah, yes, the illustrious Grant legacy," My tone dripping with sarcasm. "A legacy built on political lies, backstabbing, and empty promises. Rebuilding America, one scandal at a time," I say, relishing in the look of irritation on her face.

Mellie's nostrils flared, and she stepped towards me, her eyes full of fury. Through gritted teeth, she says, "Fitz, there are opportunities in politics that you cannot afford to ignore. This is about our future, our children's future. It's time for you to stop playing the irresponsible playboy and take on the responsibilities that come with your name. I did not marry you to be the wife of a hotel owner."

"Wow. You know you don't have to keep reminding me of how much you hate me and regret your choice to marry me. I'm right there with you."

She gritted her teeth, struggling to maintain her composure. "This is no time for your flippant attitude, Fitz. Your father is coming here to talk to you about running for the Senate. Do you understand the significance of that? The Grant name has the power and influence to make a real difference in this country, and it's time for you to step into the role." I rolled my eyes, taking another casual sip of my coffee.

"Oh, please, spare me the soap opera drama, Mellie. The only difference the Grant name ever made was in the size of our bank accounts," I take another sip of my coffee. "You know what? I'm not doing this. I need to see Andrew this morning; I'll eat breakfast there peacefully."

"I know you're not leaving?" Her jaw tensed, and she breathed deeply to reign in her frustration.

"Yes, actually I am. I'll be back before Big Jerry arrives." Without allowing her to respond, I walked out of the room and texted Harold to pick me up.

I make my way to Andrew's house. I know his ass is here; his car is parked in the driveway. I'm not leaving till he answers this door or my phone calls. Suddenly, the door flies open, and he's standing there half-naked and sweating. "Why the hell are you banging on my door like that?!"

"Where have you been? Working out?"

"Yeah. is that a crime." He says, dabbing his face with a towel. "I only heard the doorbell between songs. What's up?". He moved to the side to let me in, and I strolled straight to the bar, pouring myself a healthy dose of bourbon.

"You okay, big bro? It's kind of early for that kind of drink." He pauses for a second. "Oh yeah, dad's coming today. You know what? I'll have one in solidarity with you."

"Yeah, that's the least of my problems." I laughed nervously as I plopped down on the couch. "You won't believe it, Andrew, but I met this woman, Olivia, and she's nothing like anyone I've ever met. She's not like those superficial, high-maintenance girls we're used to. There's something different about her, something special."

Andrew raises an eyebrow, and a look of skepticism crossing his face. "You mean to tell me you met a woman who has piqued your interest enough for you to drive over here for the sole purpose of telling me about her?"

I shake my head, amused. "I know, I know. It's hard to believe, but trust me, there's something about her."

"Okay, spill the details."

As I delved into the tale of the previous day, I can feel excitement running through me. I've honestly never felt this giddy about a woman in my life. I try to paint a vivid picture of the day with Olivia to Andrew. "So, after that, I dropped her off at home and kissed her on the cheek."

"Andrew's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, let me get this straight. You, my brother, the CEO of Grant Hotels, brushed some woman off last night, then stalked her, then helped her set up a storage room for an entire day all for the purpose of trying to sleep with her? Fitz, have you lost your mind?"

I wave him off, a determined look in his eyes. "I know it sounds crazy, but she was upset with me, and I had to make things right. And the fact is, I don't want to just sleep with her. I like her, Andrew."

"Well, I'm just speechless."

"That's a first," I teased, knowing Drew was rarely at a loss for words. "But here's the kicker."

"Hit me."

"First off, she's not thrilled about my marital status."

"I knew Mellie would find a way to ruin this story," Drew groaned.

"She's also newly divorced and seems quite sensitive about it."

"So, she's damaged."

"Andrew!" I say, giving him a death stare.

"Sorry." He says, putting his hands up in the air.

"She's not damaged. Hell, I'm damaged. At least she had the courage to leave and live her own life on her terms."

"Your right. I'm sorry. Continue."

And then there's this guy, Jake."

"Who's Jake?"

"Her ex. They dated in college, broke up, but stayed friends. He's the one who encouraged her to move here. And get this – we were sitting and talking to each other, then this asshole calls, and she actually leaves the room to talk to him."

Drew raised an eyebrow. "Oh, she left the room."

"Yes, she did. Pissed me completely off."

"Well, she has the right to take a call, Fitz. It's not a crime."

"Yeah, but imagine if it were you."

"Well, if it were me, I'd have left immediately. I can do better than that," Drew replied confidently.

"But it's different for her. This Jake's playing the sweet friend, loving dad, non-threatening ex-boyfriend, and it's working on her."

"Seems like this, Jake, isn't going anywhere. Are they...you know?"

"I asked. She said they're not intimate, but I know he wants to be," I admitted.

"Fitz, I gotta be honest. This isn't going to work. You're chasing after her like a lost puppy for what? She's made it clear she's not sleeping with you," Drew cautioned.

"Because...I just...I really like her. I want to get to know her. It's not just about a night or a weekend – I like her, man." I said earnestly.

Drew's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Fitz. You're right. So, how do we go about this? And when do I get to meet her?"

"I haven't figured that part out, and let's hold off on the meeting until I figure out what's going on between us."

"Fine, but I'll tell you what your first move should be: separating from Mellie. You've been miserable with her for years. You deserve happiness. Get custody of the boys, and live life on your terms. You could be with Olivia; start fresh."

"Yeah." I feel a surge of conflicting emotions wash over me; my mind is racing with thoughts of Olivia and my responsibilities. I know Andrew is right; I do deserve a chance at happiness, but the prospect of upending my entire life is overwhelming. It feels impossible.

Andrew's expression softened, and he reached out to clasp my shoulder. "I know it's daunting, but you can do it. You're strong, and you're capable. Don't let fear hold you back. You have to take a leap of faith and go after what you want. You need to be at least available to find love, to be happy. Don't forget that." He gets up and sits next to me. "You leave for Paris in a few days. Use that time to think it through. Now, you need to get home and prepare for the Grim Reaper's arrival."

Andrew always seems to find an amusing way to describe our father. Once I leave his house, I head back to mine, repeatedly running his words of encouragement through my head.

After arriving home, I looked down at my watch and realized I had about 15 minutes before Big Jerry makes his entrance. We all wait around in the living room, anticipating his arrival. I pace back and forth, wearing a hole in the floor, knowing he will pressure me to run for the Senate, but I'm not doing it. For once, the answer is no. My future is mine, not his, not Mellie's, mine. She's also relentlessly insisted that I accept his support and offer of help running for the Senate. She had sided with him on every life decision that has been made for this family, right down to the fucking house we live in. I know she reports everything I do back to him.

"Fitz, remember, be polite; your father is only trying to help us. Think about the boys." She pats me gently on the chest.

"Mellie, don't tell me what the hell to do. You two know my answer, but still, you push and try to manipulate me."

"Fitz, why do you always talk to me this way."

"Please save your victim act for someone who gives a shit."

"You are a miserable small man and a drunk, by the way."

"I wonder why I drink so much."

Tristian jumps in, "Guys, can we not for one moment of the day? Just one moment, please."

Mellie huffs at all of us and heads back to the kitchen. I swear I despise this woman.

As I continue pacing the floor, the sound of the doorbell shatters the silence, causing my heart to begin to race. I take one more look back at the boys and can see the look of sympathy on their faces.

I open the door to find Big Jerry standing tall and imposing in my doorway. We exchanged a stiff greeting, and I ushered him into the living room. The conversation that followed was tense, as dad wasted no time pressuring me to accept the Senate candidacy. He painted a picture of potential power and influence, trying to appeal to some sense of duty in me that I didn't have. Mellie, coming in right on time, echoed his sentiments. Having a conversation with the two of them is debilitating.

"Fitz, we can talk about this more over dinner."

"No, really, we don't need to. My answer is no." I walk away from him and plop down on the couch to watch the football game with the boys—a much-needed distraction.

"Who's winning?" I ask.

Dad stands over me, "Fitz, we need to talk about the luncheon and your trip to Paris as well."

"No, we don't. I'm not going to lunch and don't need your advice on the hotel. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to watch the game with my sons. I know you wouldn't understand anything about the importance of spending time with your children, but that's what I'm trying to do."

I try to ignore my father and Mellie over the next few hours. Andrew is right. Having me and the boys and maybe even Olivia by my side would be great.

After the game ends, Teddy jumps up and says, "Dad, you wanna shoot the football around?"

Mellie chimes in immediately, "Teddy, no. Dinner is almost done, and you all need to go get ready."

"Fine," Teddy says as he hangs his head and walks upstairs with his brothers.

"Fitz." My father says sternly. "You're going to this damn luncheon."

"No, actually, I'm not. You're not guilting me into doing anything else. I'm not fucking going. If this is why you came here, you can leave now."

"Where the hell do you get off talking to me like that, you little shit."

"I'm going to go get dressed for dinner," I say, walking away from him.

We all sit down as a family at the dinner table. As I take my seat, eyeing my father, who parks his ass at the head of my table, he and Mellie are engaged in conversation, their voices filled with tension.

"Fitz, my boy, you must reconsider running for the Senate. It's the perfect opportunity for you." Jerry says as he cuts into his steak.

Completely exasperated with this conversation, "Dad, I've told you countless times—I have no interest in politics. I want to live my life, not the one you think is best for me. I'm already doing that by running the hotel, among other things." I say, cutting my eyes at Mellie.

Mellie interjects, "But darling, you have the potential to do great things! Think about the power and influence you could have!

Darling? Seriously? I'm becoming increasingly frustrated, "Mellie, I don't need power or influence. I want to live authentically on my terms.

"You've always been so naive. Politics is in our blood. You have a duty to serve the people." My father interjects.

"Duty? I did my duty, if you remember. I served in the Navy. I don't owe anyone anything else. Plus, I'm not putting the boys through that. I remember what it was like, and no, thank you," I say through gritted teeth.

It's about time you start thinking about your legacy," he says while patting our oldest son on the back.

Mellie chimes, "See, even your father agrees. You need to think bigger, Fitz. Stop wasting your potential."

That's when our Tristian chimed in. He could no longer stay silent and slammed his fist onto the table. "Enough! Can't we have just one peaceful dinner without all of this? Dad's made up his mind, let it be."

David also chimed in, frustration evident in his voice, "Yeah, why can't you guys just leave him alone? He doesn't want to be a stupid politician."

Condescendingly, Jerry says, "Boys, this is not a matter for children. This conversation is for adults, and it's about the future of this family."

That's it, I've had enough! Standing up, unable to keep my composure, "No, it's about control! You've always tried to control every aspect of my life, Dad! Not anymore! I won't let you or Mellie dictate my choices!

Here comes Mellie playing the victim right on time, "Fitz, I only want what's best for us. With your father's support, we could secure our historical place."

Trying to calm myself down and lower my voice, "Mellie, you don't care about anything but yourself, but I need you to understand that my happiness matters too. I am not pushing our boys to do anything they don't want to do. They can decide what kind of careers they want, and I'm not doing anything I don't want to do.

Big Jerry smirked, "You were always destined for mediocrity, Fitz. It's a shame, really. You and your brother. You're a coward, just like him. Waste of potential."

I throw my napkin on the table, stand up, and yell, "Fuck!"

Teddy quickly interjects, "I think you mean to say bananas."

I storm off and head to my office, where I plan to hide for the rest of the evening. I can't take it anymore. I pace back and forth, trying to calm myself down. I would give anything to be with Olivia right now. She's so calming. She's a pistol too, if you push her, but naturally, she's just a giving, sweet, and caring person from what I can tell.

Finally calming down, I open the windows, sit in my leather chair, and light a cigar. All I want to focus on is Olivia. If I could have her and my boys, I think I would be a very happy man.

I take a brief nap and enjoy the peace I have momentarily found.

About an hour or so passes once I wake up again. I listen intently, and I don't hear anyone talking. I figured everyone was done eating and would sit and watch another game. It's a great time for me to sneak out and call her.

I make my way out onto the back patio and sit by the pool, eagerly pulling up her number.

"Hi, Mr. Grant."

"Hi, Ms. Pope."

"How's it going?"

"A dumpster fire, but it's great being with my boys.

"Well, that's wonderful. How old are they?

"My oldest, Tristan, is 19; the second is David, and he is 17. Lastly, there's Teddy, and he's 15.

"All boys. That sounds like fun. I hope I have boys someday."

"Well, I have a good track record of making boys."

"Don't tell me you would ever start over after having three teenage boys?" Her voice is so sultry. I would give her anything she wanted.

"With the right woman, I would."

"Fitz, Fitz, Fitz."

"What? I would. I would consider having more children."

"Stop it." She makes me chuckle. "So, is there a reason why you are calling?" She says in a soft and gentle voice.

"I don't know. I guess...I just needed a friend."

"Why? What happened?"

"It's just my dad."

"Where are you now?"

"I'm at home hiding out by the pool."

"I knew you had a big house." She instantly makes me laugh.

"Do I give off big house energy?"

"Among other things."

Oh, Ms. Pope. I'm trying to be good. "What are you doing?"

"Listening to music and having my fifth or sixth glass of wine. I've lost count. I unpacked my entire apartment, and I'm so proud of myself, but I didn't make it out to do any shopping for my place."

"Well, good for you. Shopping for what?"

"Just little nik naks to make the place feel like mine, you know?

"Good, we can do that together."

"What? Why would you shop with me for nik naks for my place?"

"So I can spend time with my new friend."

"How would it look for us to be out casually shopping together?"

I don't care how it looks, but I get it. "Okay, I see where you're going."

"Right. What am I going to do with you, Fitz?"

"I could think of a few things, but you'll think they're inappropriate, and I want to be a good boy." She chuckles softly. "You know, Liv, I was thinking, why don't you let me pay to have the studio renovated for you? It will save you tons of time."

"Absolutely not. I can manage it."

"I'm not saying you can't. It will be my contribution to bringing a great new attraction to the downtown area.

"You just can't help yourself, can you?"

"What?"

"Constantly trying to throw money around."

"I'm not throwing money around. I'm just trying to help."

"I know. You are very sweet and considerate, but I can't take your money, Fitz."

"You're not taking my money. It's a donation to renovate, that's all."

"No, Mr. Grant."

"You are one hard woman to bargain with." We sit in silence for a moment. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

"You can't say things like that." I can hear the slur in her voice, and it is doing something to me, just like the first night we met.

"We can be honest with each other, right?

"Yes."

"Okay then. Then be honest. Have you thought about me at all?"

It's silent for a moment before she speaks. "Yes, I've thought about you. You should get back to your family."

"Just stay on the phone with me for one more minute."

I can hear her let out a huff. "Okay."

"I'm going to a gala in two weeks."

"Oh, that sounds like fun, fancy stuff."

"Yeah, real fancy stuff. I wish I could take you. It would be much more enjoyable."

"Well, we know that's not possible."

"I know." We remain quiet on the phone for a few moments.

"Olivia, I...um...I know we agreed to be friends but to be honest again, I want you to know that I like you...a lot. I understand how you don't want to be a secret, and you deserve better than that, but...it doesn't change the fact that I like you and feel comfortable with you. I'm not just interested in sex."

"Well, I appreciate you saying that, and I'm glad you feel comfortable with me. I feel comfortable with you, too. Look, go and enjoy your family. We can hang out when you are free. I'll be around."

"If I didn't have the boys here. I would come by and share a drink with you. I could use some good company right now."

"Family is important. I wish I had one. I only have an overbearing father." She doesn't know half of what I'm dealing with over here. "Go enjoy your family."

I can hear loneliness in her voice, and I don't like it. "Okay, baby." Damn, that came out a little too naturally.

"Baby?"

"I'm sorry, I mean Liv.

"Right," She drags out.

"With that sultry voice. You make it real hard for me to be a good boy." She gives me a hearty laugh I have not heard from her before, but it's infectious.

"Good night, Mr. Grant."

"Good night, Liv."

I hang up the phone, staring out at the pool. Out of nowhere, I heard Tristan say, "I hope you're not using us as an excuse not to see your girlfriend."

I whip my head around, "Boys." I said, shocked. "I um...I... it's not what it sounded like."

"Dad, stop it. You definitely like whatever woman you were on the phone with, and as you said, not just for sex."

"Fuck."

"Go be with her."

"Boys, I don't know what you think you heard, but it's...not...like that."

David chimes in and motions for me to sit down. "We know you and mom aren't happy, and honestly, we're tired of watching you get run over by the two of them. You seemed happy just now talking to the new lady, so go see her dad."

"This is wrong. This is not how a marriage is supposed to work. I don't want you boys thinking it's okay to cheat on your wives." But even as I lower my head, I can feel the truth of what they are saying. There's an undeniable gravity pulling me towards her, and I can't deny wanting to be with her. It only makes the case stronger to me that something has to change.